Chamber and committees

A list of invited stakeholders can be found in our marine energy policy statement:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/19185/MEPS.

We intend to hold the first meeting of the marine energy policy group during summer this year.

Details for the marine energy policy group are available on the Scottish Government website http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/19185/MEPS.

The marine energy policy group will decide upon a defined programme of work during its first meetings.

The group will be chaired by officials from the Scottish Government''s marine directorate.

The format of outputs and the timescales for completing work will be a matter for the marine energy policy group to decide, and will depend upon the nature and scale of environmental research needed.

The redevelopment of the Ravenscraig site supports all the Scottish Government''s strategic objectives, economic and social. For example, it is expected to create a range of flexible accommodation for a diverse range of local businesses, generate 12,000 new jobs and attract some £1.2 billion of private sector investment over the life of the project. The project should also deliver a £70 million state of the art campus for Motherwell College, with conference facilities and a public learning centre. It is expected to provide 446 training places and some 400 vocational qualifications as well as a £30 million regional sports facility, cycle routes and adventure playgrounds, and retail and leisure space.

The project is also expected to create some 3,500 new homes and become home to a new urban community of around 10,000 people. It will also embrace the principles of sustainable development in the creation of new natural habitats, renewable energy and good public transport links.

Cost benefit analyses are undertaken as workstreams are progressed. In order to consider the low carbon Energy standards proposed for introduction in 2010, an assessment has been commissioned of the impact of higher standards on new housing and non-domestic buildings, including life cycle analyses. The Sullivan report refers to the other sustainability measures proposed for the building regulations in 2010 and assessments have already been completed of the cost impact of proposals for more demanding Noise and Fire standards that also would contribute to sustainable development.

A review of the energy standards in Scottish building regulations commenced in February this year. The building standards advisory committee energy working party has been convened with the remit to consider the energy standards and guidance that should apply when building owners elect to do work on the buildings they own.

A consultation paper is currently being drafted on proposals for reducing the carbon emissions associated with existing buildings. Legislative changes will be dependant on the outcome of this consultation.

Support to public/private partnerships is generally provided by local authorities, the enterprise networks and other public bodies. This can take the form of direct funding or the transfer of land and property assets. The Scottish Government also provides direct funding support to pathfinder urban regeneration companies.

A review of energy standards in Scottish building regulations commenced in February this year. The building standards advisory committee energy working party has been convened with the remit to consider the energy standards and guidance that should apply to new dwellings and when building owners elect to do work on dwellings they own (extensions, conversions and alterations).